Aug 04 2008
somebody go jiggle the breaker!
There are a few stories that have shaped the experience we’ve had here in Costa Rica. Without them, it just would not have been the same. For this reason I will have a few posts that are short and sweet just for the purpose of passing on these stories in hopes of illustrating them as best I can. You should also know that this blog has become a standard for all of us to document these stories. So, we’ve decided as a group to make note of what we think should be the titles of my posts. It usually goes like this…. something happens, somebody says something funny, and everyone shouts, “That sounds like a blog post!” You’ve likely noticed that the titles have become quite a bit more creative than in the beginning — I would love to take credit for that, but I can’t.
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During our tour of the dorms here at the church, we were given special notice about the showers. Emily and Rebecca, the interns (also interpreters and tour guides), referred to them as “suicide showers”. You see, they have an electric heating coil that heats the water as is passes through the shower head. The speed of the water determines the heat — the slower the water the hotter it is. You may already be asking yourself… electricity and water? This method of heating water is very cheap, and therefore popular in most of the world, but highly illegal in the States. It eliminates the need for a water heater tank, which is obviously much more expensive and harder to plumb.
These showers, however, DO draw a significant amount of electricity. As we discovered in our first night here, taking 2 showers at a time will trip the breaker and cut the power to the bathroom and both dorms, thus leaving bother showerees standing in the cold!! This happened to me once.
The first time it happened we immediately went to check the breaker and look for any tripped switches. The rat’s nest we found was an intimidating cluster with NO obvious solutions. So, we had to get on the phone with Charlie and get his maintenance man, Alfredo, out here to resolve the problem. Alfredo did find the tripped breaker and we were back in business.
So now, when the lights go out while some unsuspecting soul is taking a shower, someone yells, “Somebody go jiggle the breaker!”
-RB
I’m really enjoying reading your blogs. It’s almost like being there…
You know, metaphorically speaking, we may all live in different parts of the world, but essentially we still live under one (or the same) roof. Working together makes all the difference.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for doing this blog. I have long thought about going on a Mission trip but have been too scared. This helps me see what it is like. Say hi to Deb and Kandy! Girls, I wish I were with you both!!! Much love. You are all in my prayers!
Coleen Young
I enjoyed reading your BLOG. I am now very thankful for my enclosed wiring and hot water for my shower. Two things I never thought much about until I read “Jiggle the Breaker.” What a great group of missionaries all of you are!! May God bless you and the people of Costa Rica. You are in my prayers.